U.S. patent application number 14/571720 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for multiple band antenna for vehicle and manufacturing method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hyundai Motor Company, INFAC Elecs Co., Ltd. Invention is credited to Ho Young Cho, Jin Kyu Hwang, Soo Young Hwang, Min Kyung Jang, Un Young Jeong, Heui Tae Lee, Kang Young Lee, Sang Heun Lee, Sang Hoon Lim.
Application Number | 20150214607 14/571720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53523032 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150214607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sang Heun ; et
al. |
July 30, 2015 |
MULTIPLE BAND ANTENNA FOR VEHICLE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD
THEREOF
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a multiple band antenna for a
vehicle able to receive multiple signals in various frequency
bands, including radio, TV, mobile communication, GPS, telematics,
and so forth, through one antenna. The multiple band antenna for a
vehicle includes an elongated pole that is coupled to a base, the
pole including: a connector having a connecting portion connected
to a terminal of the base, a signal coil having one end portion
connected to the connector and having a spirally wound helical
portion, a bobbin fitted around the signal coil such that the
signal coil is inserted therein, a coil member formed in the shape
of a spirally wound coil and fitted around the bobbin, with one end
portion connected to the connector; and a cover member covering the
bobbin and the coil member.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sang Heun; (Seoul,
KR) ; Lee; Heui Tae; (Suwon, KR) ; Cho; Ho
Young; (Hwaseong, KR) ; Jang; Min Kyung;
(Incheon, KR) ; Lee; Kang Young; (Incheon, KR)
; Lim; Sang Hoon; (Ansan, KR) ; Hwang; Jin
Kyu; (Incheon, KR) ; Hwang; Soo Young;
(Bucheon, KR) ; Jeong; Un Young; (Suwon,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hyundai Motor Company
INFAC Elecs Co., Ltd |
Seoul
Suwon |
|
KR
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
53523032 |
Appl. No.: |
14/571720 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
343/713 ;
29/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 5/307 20150115;
Y10T 29/49016 20150115; H01Q 5/321 20150115; H01Q 1/362 20130101;
H01P 11/001 20130101; H01Q 1/3275 20130101; H01Q 9/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/32 20060101
H01Q001/32; H01Q 5/307 20060101 H01Q005/307; H01P 11/00 20060101
H01P011/00; H01Q 1/36 20060101 H01Q001/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2014 |
KR |
10-2013-0010170 |
Claims
1. A multiple band antenna for a vehicle comprising an elongated
pole that is coupled to a base, wherein the pole includes: a
connector having a connecting portion connected to a terminal of
the base; a signal coil having one end portion connected to the
connector and having a spirally wound helical portion; a bobbin
fitted around the signal coil such that the signal coil is inserted
therein; a coil member formed in the shape of a spirally wound coil
and fitted around the bobbin, with one end portion connected to the
connector; and a cover member covering the bobbin and the coil
member.
2. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, further comprising: a
fixing member covering a coupled portion at which the connector and
the coil member are coupled together and fixing the coupled portion
of the connector and the coil member.
3. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the signal coil
has one helical portion or a plurality of helical portions that is
longitudinally arranged.
4. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the signal coil
has a combination of straight portions and helical portions that
are longitudinally arranged.
5. The multiple band antenna of claim 3, wherein the signal coil
has the plurality of helical portions, and the helical portions all
have the same wiring pitch.
6. The multiple band antenna of claim 3, wherein the signal coil
has the plurality of helical portions, and only some of the helical
portions have the same wiring pitch or all of the helical portions
have a different wiring pitch.
7. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the signal coil
and the connector are connected by inserting one end portion of the
signal coil into a groove formed in the connector and welding or
bonding the one end portion of the signal coil, or by inserting the
one end portion of the signal coil into the groove of the connector
and then welding or bonding the one end portion to an inner side of
the groove.
8. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the signal coil
and the connector are connected by thread-fastening a wiring
portion, which is formed by spirally wiring one end portion of the
signal coil, to a spiral groove formed around an outer side of a
first coupling portion of the connector.
9. The multiple band antenna of claim 8, wherein the wiring portion
is welded or bonded to the outer side of the connector.
10. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein a spiral groove
is formed around an outer side of the bobbin, and the coil member
is thread-fastened in the spiral groove on the bobbin.
11. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein a spiral groove
is formed around an outer side of a second coupling portion of the
connector, and the coil member is thread-fastened in the spiral
groove on the second coupling portion.
12. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the coil member
has a different wiring pitch for each of coil member sections that
are longitudinally defined.
13. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein an end cap is
inserted deep inside the bobbin through a hole at an end of the
cover member, with one end portion of the end cap closing the hole
at the end of the cover member.
14. The multiple band antenna of claim 1, wherein the cover member
also covers the signal coil and the connector except for the
connecting portion of the connector.
15. A method of manufacturing a multiple band antenna for a vehicle
which includes an elongated pole that is coupled to a base, the
method for manufacturing the pole, comprising: manufacturing a
signal coil and a connector with a connecting portion connected to
a terminal of the base; manufacturing a bobbin and a coil member
formed in a shape of a spirally wound coil; connecting one end
portion of the signal coil to the connector; fitting the coil
member around the bobbin; forming an intermediate assembly by
fitting the bobbin around the signal coil such that the signal coil
is inserted therein and by connecting one end portion of the coil
member to the connector; fixing the intermediate assembly in a
mold; and injection-molding a cover member to cover the coil member
and the bobbin.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: forming a fixing
member that covers a coupled portion at which the connector and the
coil member are coupled together and fixes the coupled portion of
the connector and the coil member, before the injection-molding of
the cover member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fixing member is formed by
injection-molding, and in the injection-molding of the fixing
member, the fixing member is formed by i) inserting a support pin
deep inside the bobbin of the intermediate assembly, ii) inserting
and fixing a head of the support pin and the connector into grooves
on an inner side of a mold, and iii) injecting resin into the
mold.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal coil is formed to
have a spirally wound helical portion.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein a fixing assembly that fixes
portions of the intermediate assembly except for the connecting
portion of the connector is formed at a predetermined distance from
an inner side of a cavity in a mold, in the forming of the cover
member, and the fixing assembly includes: an outer core fitted
around the connecting portion of the connector and attached to the
inner side of the mold; and a molding pin inserted deep inside the
bobbin of the intermediate assembly through an end of the bobbin
and fixed with a head of the support pin, which is exposed to an
outside of the intermediate assembly and inserted in a groove on
the inner side of the mold.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein an end of the molding pin which
is inserted in the bobbin keeps fixed while in contact with the
connector or the signal coil.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the signal coil is formed to
have a spirally wound helical portion, and the molding pin is
inserted through the helical portion of the signal coil such that
the end of the molding pin is brought in contact with the
connector.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein a straight end portion of the
signal coil is fixed eccentrically to an inner side of a groove of
the connector, and the end of the molding pin is inserted into the
groove of the connector.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein a wiring portion is formed by
wiring an end portion of the signal coil that is coupled to the
connector, and inserting the end of the molding pin into the wiring
portion to be supported by the wiring portion itself or in contact
with the connector.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein an end of the molding pin and
an end of the signal coil are brought in contact with each other so
that the molding pin and the signal coil are supported by each
other.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein the signal coil is inserted
into a hole of a hollow molding pin inserted in the bobbin, the
hollow molding pin having a predetermined longitudinal section.
26. The method of claim 15, wherein an end cap is inserted deep
inside the bobbin through a hole at an end of the cover member, the
end cap closing the hole at the end of the cover member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a)
priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2014-0010170 filed on Jan. 28, 2014, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] (a) Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a multiple band antenna
for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multiple band
antenna for a vehicle which can minimize the manufacturing cost due
to additional telematics antennas, such as High-Speed Downlink
Packet Access (HSDPA) antennas, and receive multiple signals for
wireless communication services in various bands, such as GPS, GSM,
CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, e-Call, DMB, and DAB, as well as a method of
manufacturing the aforementioned multiple band antenna.
[0004] (b) Background Art
[0005] Automotive antennas transmit/receive wireless signals to
enable a transceiver for broadcast/communication in vehicles to
communicate with the outside. The existing automotive antennas are
generally used only for receiving AM/FM radio signals, and monopole
types of passive antennas without an amplifying circuit are
commonly used. Those automotive antennas, however, require an
excessive physical length, e.g., about 70 cm, such that they spoil
the external design and reduce the driving performance of
vehicles.
[0006] Accordingly, active antennas with an amplifying circuit have
been developed to reduce the physical length and poor reception of
signals, most of them being pole-type helical antennas. The
pole-type helical antenna, an antenna with a spiral coil-shaped
structure capable of generating resonance at a length smaller than
the existing resonant lengths, can receive broadcast signals by
generating resonance at a specific frequency, by adjusting the
length and the pitch. On the other hand, recently, with the common
use of services such as mobile communication, various pieces of
equipment and new electronic products with information
communication technology have been developed in succession.
Further, electronic products featuring technology integrating the
internet, a television, global positioning system (GPS), a
satellite radio, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), and
telematics have been developed and mounted in vehicles in order to
satisfy various requirements of consumers.
[0007] As wireless services in vehicles, e.g., the internet, TV,
GPS, satellite radio, DMB, telematics, etc., increases, it is
increasingly important to utilize an antenna capable of receiving
various wireless signals, particularly an integrated antenna
providing a wireless communication service in various bands. To
this end, an integrated antenna of the related art is described
hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an integrated
antenna of the related art, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view
illustrating the integrated antenna of FIG. 1A with the case for
the base removed, in which the integrated antenna has no antenna
(HSDPA, etc.) for telematics. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
the integrated antenna largely includes a base 1 with built-in
components including a pad 2a, a frame 2b, a case 4, a circuit
board 3a, and a patch antenna 3b (satellite radio patch antenna or
other patch antenna), and a pole 5 with a built-in radio antenna.
The integrated antenna without a telematics antenna has a better
design and commercial value in comparison with the integrated
antennas with a telematics antenna, because the case 4 for the base
1 is flat.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an integrated
antenna with a telematics antenna of the related art, and FIG. 2B
is a perspective view illustrating the integrated antenna of FIG.
2A with the case for the base removed. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, a GPS antenna 3d and a telematics (TMU: Telematics Unit)
antenna 3c for receiving signals are disposed in the base 1, and a
pole 5 with a built-in radio antenna is disposed on one side of the
base. In the integrated antenna shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the case
4 requires a greater height to fit the telematics antenna 3c (HSDPA
or other TMU antenna) disposed vertically high, for sufficient
reception ability, and thus it is difficult to achieve an entirely
flat base.
[0010] Problematically, the integrated antenna with the case 4
having a greater height has an adverse influence on the entire
design of vehicles and can reduce the commercial value of vehicles.
Further, when antennas (receivers) are close to each other, there
is a need for an appropriate distance between them because they may
influence each other. However, when telematics (e.g., HSDPA and
other TMU antennas) is added, the performance of antennas for other
services can be deteriorated, or an additional space for a
telematics antenna can be required.
RELATED ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-1161207 (Jun. 25,
2012)
[0012] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No.
10-2013-0037891 (Apr. 17, 2013)
[0013] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the
disclosure, and therefore it may contain information that does not
form the related art that is already known in this country to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] The disclosed embodiments been made in an effort to solve
the above-described problems associated with related art. An object
of the present disclosure is to provide a multiple band antenna for
a vehicle which can receive signals in radio frequency bands
(AM/FM), broadcast bands (DMB, DAB), mobile communication frequency
bands (GPS, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA, LTE) and signals for wireless
communication services such as satellite radio (SDARS), the
internet, TV reception, navigation system (GPS), using one antenna
by installing a helical type signal coil that can implement a TMU
(GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA, LTE, e-Call, and the like.) and a DMB
therein, in addition to a coil member receiving frequency signals
in the radio band, and a method of manufacturing the multiple band
antenna. Further, another object of the present disclosure is to
provide a multiple band antenna for a vehicle having excellent
design and performance, thus reducing the manufacturing costs and
costs due to a TMU antenna, as much as possible.
[0015] In particular, the antennas of the related art can be
classified as an integrated antenna without telematics (e.g.,
having a flat case) or an integrated antenna with telematics (e.g.,
having with case with greater height), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
However, another object of the present disclosure is to provide an
integrated antenna capable of implementing an integrated antenna
with telematics in the shape of the integrated antenna without
telematics of the related art, and a method of manufacturing the
integrated antenna.
[0016] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a multiple
band antenna for a vehicle including an elongated pole that is
coupled to a base, in which the pole includes: a connector having a
connecting portion connected to a terminal of the base; a signal
coil having one end portion connected to the connector and having a
spirally wound helical portion; a bobbin fitted around the signal
coil such that the signal coil is inserted therein; a coil member
formed in the shape of a spirally wound coil and fitted around the
bobbin, with one end portion connected to the connector; and a
cover member covering the bobbin and the coil member.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
of manufacturing a multiple band antenna for a vehicle including an
elongated pole that is coupled to a base. For manufacturing the
pole, the method includes: manufacturing a signal coil and a
connector with a connecting portion connected to a terminal of the
base and manufacturing a bobbin and a coil member formed in the
shape of a spirally wound coil; connecting one end portion of the
signal coil to the connector; fitting the coil member around the
bobbin; forming an intermediate assembly by fitting the bobbin
around the signal coil such that the signal coil is inserted
therein and by connecting one end portion of the coil member to the
connector; and fixing the intermediate assembly in a mold and
injection-molding a cover member to cover the coil member and the
bobbin.
[0018] Accordingly, since the antenna of the present disclosure can
receive multiple signals in various frequency bands, including
radio, TV, mobile communication, GPS, telematics, and so forth,
through one antenna, it is possible to optimize the product, reduce
the manufacturing cost, and improve the design.
[0019] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the present
disclosure are discussed infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The above and other features of the present invention will
now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary
embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings which
are given hereinbelow by way of illustration only, and thus are not
limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an integrated
antenna according to the related art;
[0022] FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating the integrated
antenna of FIG. 1A with the case for the base removed;
[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating another
integrated antenna according to the related art;
[0024] FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the integrated
antenna of FIG. 2A with the case for the base removed;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multiple band antenna
for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pole of
the multiple band antenna for a vehicle according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the pole of the multiple band
antenna for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating that various examples of
signal coils which can be used for the multiple band antenna for a
vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are
fixed to connectors;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating only the signal coil in the
multiple band antenna for a vehicle according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of thread-fastening
a signal coil to a connector in the multiple band antenna for a
vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a view sequentially illustrating the process of
manufacturing the pole of the multiple band antenna for a vehicle
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a mold and a pin for forming
a bobbin in the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a mold and a support pin for
forming a fixing member in the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a mold for forming a cover
member in the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an external core and a
molding pin of a fixing unit in forming of the cover member in the
present disclosure.
[0036] Reference numerals set forth in the Drawings includes
reference to the following elements as further discussed below:
TABLE-US-00001 100: antenna 110: base 120: pole 121: connector 122:
signal coil 122b: helical portion 123: bobbin 124: coil member 125:
cover member 126: fixing member 127: end cap
[0037] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example,
specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be
determined in part by the particular intended application and use
environment.
[0038] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or
equivalent parts of the disclosed embodiments throughout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Hereinafter reference will now be made in detail to various
embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While
the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood that present description is not
intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On
the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the
exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives,
modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items.
[0041] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or
other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in
general such as passenger automobiles including sports utility
vehicles (SUV), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles,
watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and
the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other
alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other
than petroleum). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a
vehicle that has two or more sources of power, for example both
gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.
[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying
drawings for those skilled in the art to easily implement the
disclosed embodiments. The present disclosure provides an
integrated antenna (e.g., antenna with telematics) that makes it
possible to reduce the manufacturing cost resulting from the
addition of telematics, having the external shape of an antenna
with telematics, and that can sufficiently perform the function of
receiving telematics. The integrated antenna of the present
disclosure can receive signals such as GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA,
LTE, and e-Call signals, and signals for broadcasting such as DMB
and DAB, in addition to radio signals (AM/FM) through a pole.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multiple band antenna
for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the multiple band antenna 100 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base 110,
which is composed of built-in components including a pad 111, a
frame 112, a case 117, a circuit board 113, an antenna 114 for
receiving signals in multiple bands including, for example, GPS,
XM, SIRIUS, and the like, a connector 116, a terminal 115, and a
pole 120 elongated from the base 110, and further including an
antenna coil (composed of a signal coil and a coil member to be
described below). Not only is the circuit board 113 fixed to the
frame 112, but the antenna 114 is disposed in the base 110, and the
lower part of the pad 111, which is attached to a vehicle body
(e.g., outer side of a roof panel), is integrally attached to the
frame 112. The base 110 has the connector 116 (female or male
connector) to which the connector 121 (male or female connector) of
the pole 120, which is described below, can be mated. The case 117,
which contributes to the external appearance of the multiple band
antenna, is fastened to the frame 112, covering the built-in
components such as the circuit board 113, the antenna 114, the
connector 116, and the terminal 115. The reference numerals 118a,
118b, and 118c shown in FIG. 3 indicate coupling members that
transmit received signals to the outside. The coupling members
118a, 118b, and 118c are electrically connected to the circuit
board 113 in the base 110 to transmit received signal to the
outside.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pole of
the multiple band antenna for a vehicle according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the
pole of the multiple band antenna for a vehicle according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and
5, the pole 120 includes a connector 121, a signal coil 122, a
bobbin 123, a coil member 124, and a cover member 125.
[0045] The connector 121 of the pole 120, which is coupled to the
connector 116 of the base 110, is connected to the circuit board
113 in the base 110 through the connector 116 and the terminal 115
of the base 110 (see FIG. 3) and transmits signals received from
the signal coil 122 and the coil member 124 to the circuit board
113. The signal coil 122 has a predetermined length with one end
connected to the connector 121. The signal coil 122 has at least
one helical portion 122b spirally wound with a predetermined length
and can be designed such that the number, wiring pitch, length,
outer diameter, inner diameter of the helical portion 122b and the
diameter of the coil (e.g., wire diameter) are adjusted in various
ways, such that the signal coil 122 can selectively receive signals
in various frequency bands such as GSM 850, GSM 1900, CDMA, WCDMA,
HSDPA, LTE, e-Call, DAB, and the like, depending on the number,
shape, and dimensions of the helical portion 122b.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating various exemplary shapes of
the signal coil in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
signal coil 122 where one end of the connector 121 is fixed may be
formed in the shape of a straight pin, but in this case, although
the operation frequency band can be adjusted by changing the entire
length, only single resonance can be achieved. On the other hand,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the helical portion 122b is formed
at the signal coil 122 and the shape of the helical portion 122b is
varied, the characteristics such as double resonance (with a single
helical portion) or triple resonance (with a double helical
portion) can be selectively achieved and the coil generating
multiple resonance can simplify the shape of the antenna and reduce
the cost. However, the operation frequency band and the antenna
matching should be considered when designing the entire shape of
the signal coil 122, including the number and shape of the helical
portion 122b.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, several examples of the signal coil 122
with one or a plurality of helical portions 122b or with different
wiring pitches for sections are illustrated. In the example
illustrated in the figure, it is possible to achieve double
resonance with the signal coil 122 with the helical portion 122b
having a constant wiring pitch (see (a) of FIG. 6), and it is
possible to achieve multiple resonance such as triple resonance
with the signal coil 122 with two or more helical portions 122b
that are longitudinally arranged (see (c) and (d) of FIG. 6).
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates only signal coils, in which various
shapes of signal coils 122 with straight portions 122a and helical
portions 122b longitudinally arranged and appropriately combined
are illustrated and the helical portions 122b are formed in various
shapes along the longitudinal sections of the signal coils 122. As
illustrated in the figure, various numbers of helical portions 122b
can be formed at various positions on the signal coils 122, and
when a plurality of helical portions 122b is formed, the wiring
pitches of the whole helical portions 122b may be the same, the
wiring pitches of only some of the whole helical portions 122b may
be the same, or the wiring pitches of the whole helical portions
122b may be different. The signal coil 122 may be fixed to be able
to be connected to the connector 121. For example, the straight
portion (e.g., 122a in (a) of FIG. 6) of one end of the signal coil
may be fitted and fixed in the groove formed on the connector 121,
one end portion (which may be straight or wound spirally) of the
signal coil is inserted in a groove (121a in FIG. 13) of the
connector 121 and then welded or bonded to the inner side of the
groove, or one end portion (which may be straight or wound) of the
signal coil 122 may be welded or bonded to the connector 121
without a groove.
[0049] In the welding or bonding of one end to the connector 121
without a groove, the wiring portion (e.g., 122c in FIG. 13) of the
signal coil 122 may be welded or bonded to the connector 121 (see
e.g., the middle one in (a) of FIG. 13), or one straight end
portion of the signal coil 122 may be welded or bonded to the outer
side of a first coupling portion. The first coupling portion is
indicated by a reference number 121b in FIG. 8, and one end portion
of the signal coil 122 may be fixed to the outer side of the first
coupling portion 121b without a spiral groove 121c illustrated in
the figure. Alternatively, one end portion of the signal coil 122
may be spirally wound, similar to the helical portion 122b, and
then the wiring portion (e.g., 122c in FIG. 8) may be
thread-fastened to a spiral groove (e.g., 121c in FIG. 8) formed
around the outer side of the first coupling portion 121b of the
connector 121 (see e.g., FIG. 8). Further, it may be possible to
fix the wiring portion 122c of the signal coil 122 by additionally
welding or bonding it to the outer side of the connector 121, after
thread-fastening the wiring portion 122c of the signal coil 122 to
the first coupling portion 121b of the connector 121. The method of
fixing the signal coil 122 is not limited, as long as it can
connect and fix one end portion of the signal coil 122 to the
connector 121.
[0050] When there is a need for designing the diameter of the
coupling portion (e.g., first coupling portion 121b in FIG. 8) for
the signal coil 122 with a relatively small diameter, it is
possible to couple one end portion of the signal coil 122 to the
outer side of the coupling portion. Conversely, when a coupling
portion with a large diameter can be formed, it is possible to form
a groove (e.g., 121a in FIG. 13) at the coupling portion of the
connector 121 and to couple one end portion of the signal coil 122
to the inside of the groove. The signal coil 122 can be fixed to
the connector 121 selectively by appropriate one of the ways
described above.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of thread-fastening
the connector 121 and the signal coil 122 in an embodiment. As
illustrated in the figure, a spiral groove 121c is formed around
the outer side of the first coupling portion 121b of the connector
121 and one end portion (e.g., wiring portion 122c) of the signal
coil 122 can be fastened by thread-fastening. The coil member 124,
which receives signals in a radio frequency band, is formed in the
shape of a spiral coil and is fitted and supported on a hollow
bobbin 123. The bobbin 123, a built-in member for supporting the
coil member 124 in the pole 120, has a spiral groove 123a around
the outer side and the coil member 124 is fitted in the spiral
groove 123a by thread-fastening. When the bobbin 123 with the coil
member 124 thereon is combined with the connector 121, the signal
coil 122 combined with the connector 121 is inserted into one end
portion of the hollow bobbin 123, and one end portion of the coil
member 124 is coupled to the second coupling portion 121d of the
connector 121 (see e.g., FIG. 9).
[0052] Thread-fastening may be used to combine the coil member 124
with the connector 121, and to this end, a spiral groove (e.g.,
121e in FIG. 8) is formed around the outer side of the second
coupling portion (e.g., 121d in FIG. 8) to thread-fasten the coil
member 124. Consequently, the second coupling portion 121d having a
relatively large diameter is formed at the connector 121, and the
first coupling portion 121b having a relatively small diameter is
integrally formed at the second coupling portion 121d, such that
the signal coil 122 is coupled to the first coupling portion 121b
and the coil member 124 is coupled to the second coupling portion
121d. Accordingly, after the coil member 124 is combined with the
bobbin 123, when the signal coil 122 fixed to the connector 121 is
inserted in the bobbin 123 and one end portion of the coil member
124 is thread-fastened to the second coupling portion 121d of the
connector 121, the signal coil 122, bobbin 123, and coil member 124
can be integrally assembled (see e.g., FIG. 9).
[0053] After the assembly, it is preferable to cover the coupled
portion between the connector 121 and the outside of the one end of
coil member 124, that is, the second coupling portion 121d of the
connector 121 and the end of the coil member 124 with a fixing
member 126 in order to reinforce the coupled portion and stably fix
the coil member 124 and the bobbin 123 to the connector 121. The
fixing member 126 may be formed by injection molding. For example,
the fixing member may be formed by putting the coil member 124
fitted on the bobbin 123 and combined with the connector 121 into a
mold and injecting resin to the outside the coupled portion, in
which the fixing member 126 is injected to cover the coupled
portion, such that the coil member 124 can be stably fixed to the
connector 121.
[0054] The wiring pitches may be made different for each of the
longitudinally predetermined sections, and accordingly, the coil
member 124 can also generate multiple resonance levels. For
example, it is possible to enable the coil member 124 to receive a
double resonance frequency by making the wiring number and the
wiring pitch different at the longitudinally upper and lower
portions and adjusting the length of the portions.
[0055] The cover member 125, which defines the outer cover of the
pole 120, that is, the outer shape of the pole 120, covers the
other potions except for the connecting portion 121f of the
connector 121 and it may also be formed by injection molding. That
is, it is possible to form the cover member 125, which is the outer
cover, by assembling the connector 121 and the signal coil 122, and
the bobbin 123 and the coil member, forming the fixing member 126,
putting the assembly into a mold, and then injecting resin. The
cover member 125 insulates the coil member 124 and a portion of the
connector 121 (except for the connecting portion), protecting the
coil member 124, bobbin 123, and connector 121, and it can be
finished by forming a hole 125a at the end of the cover member 125
via injection molding, and then inserting an end cap 127 into the
hole 125a. The end cap 127, which can be inserted deep inside the
bobbin 123 through the hole 125a at the end of the cover member
125, is inserted in the bobbin 123, with one end portion of the end
cap 127 closing the hole 125a at the end of the cover member 125.
Accordingly, the cover member 125 covers and protects the coil
member 124 and the bobbin 123, and the end cap 127 is inserted in
the bobbin 123, such that the bobbin 123 and the coil member 124
are supported on the cover member 125 by the end cap 127 too, and
that the parts can be stably and integrally assembled.
[0056] The manufacturing method of the multiple band antenna
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described
hereafter.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a view sequentially illustrating the process of
manufacturing the pole 120 of the multiple band antenna for a
vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
First, the connector 121 and the signal coil 122 are manufactured,
and the coil member 124 and the hollow bobbin 123 are formed
separately from them. The bobbin 123 can be formed by injection
molding and should be formed in a hollow manner, so a pin for
forming a hole is seated in the cavity of a corresponding mold, and
then resin that is the raw material is injected into the cavity
with the pin seated.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a mold 211 and a pin 214 for
forming the bobbin 123, in which the pin 214 is seated in the
cavity 213 of the mold 211, and then resin is injected through a
gate 212 with the mold closed to fill around the pin 214, thereby
forming the hollow bobbin 123. A thread-shaped projection for
forming the spiral groove 123a around the outer side of the bobbin
123 should be formed in the inner side of the cavity 213 of the
mold 211. Next, the signal coil 122 is coupled to the first
coupling portion 121b of the connector 121, the coil member 124 is
fitted on the formed bobbin 123, the signal coil 122 is inserted
into the bobbin 123, and one end of the coil member 124 is coupled
to the second coupling portion 121d of the connector 121.
[0059] Thereafter, the fixing member 126 is injection-molded to
cover the coupled portion of the connector 121 and the coil member
124. The fixing member 126 is formed after an intermediate assembly
(e.g., 120a in FIGS. 9 and 11) formed by combining the connector
121 with the signal coil 122 and the coil member 124 with the
bobbin 123 is seated in the corresponding mold, in which a support
pin is inserted deep inside the bobbin 123 of the intermediate
assembly 120a before forming to prevent the intermediate assembly
120a to move in the mold and then seated into the mold.
[0060] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a mold 221 and support pins
225 for forming the fixing member 126. The intermediate assembly
120a with a support pin 225 inserted is seated on the inner side of
the mold 221. The mold is closed resin that is the raw material is
injected through a gate 222 to fill a fixing member-forming space
(e.g., cavity for forming a fixing member) in the mold 221, thereby
forming the fixing member 126 covering only the coupled portion
between the connector 121 and the coil member 124. In this process,
it is preferable to insert a portion of the connector 121 in a
groove 224 on the inner side of the mold 221 in order to stably fix
the support pin 225 and the intermediate assembly 120a without
moving in the mold 221.
[0061] Next, when the fixing member 126 finishes being formed, the
cover member 125 is injection-molded onto the outer side of the
intermediate assembly 120a with the fixing member 126 formed, and
the end cap 127 is assembled, thereby completing the pole 120a. The
intermediate assembly 120a may be fixed without moving in the mold
when forming the cover member 125, and a specific fixing assembly
should be used accordingly. When the cover member 125 is formed,
the other portions of the intermediate assembly 120a, except for
the connecting portion 121f of the connector 121, should be spaced
from the inner side of the cavity in the mold, and the intermediate
assembly 120a should be fixed so as to not be moved by flow of the
resin injected into the cavity. This way, the other portions of the
intermediate assembly 120a except for the connecting portion 121f
of the connector can be molded and covered with the resin injected
into the cavity in the mold. Accordingly, the fixing assembly is
configured to fix the intermediate assembly 120a without moving in
the cavity in the mold and to maintain the gap so that the other
portions of the intermediate assembly 120a, except for the
connecting portion 121f of the connector, remains spaced from the
inner side of the cavity in the mold.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a mold 228 for forming the
cover member 125, and FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an outer core
226 and a molding pin 227 included in the fixing assembly. The coil
member (e.g., 124 in FIG. 9) should be fitted in advance in the
spiral groove 123a of the bobbin 123 in the intermediate assembly
120a when the cover member 125 is formed, but the coil member 124
is not illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0063] In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the fixing
assembly may include: an outer core 226 that is fitted around the
connecting portion 121f of the connector 121 of the intermediate
assembly (e.g., 120a in FIG. 12) to be attached to the inner side
of the mold 228; and a molding pin 227 that is inserted deep inside
the bobbin 123 of the intermediate assembly 120a through the end of
the bobbin 123, with a head 227a, which is inserted and fixed in a
groove 229b on the inner side of the mold 228, outside the
intermediate assembly 120a. The outer core 226 is fitted around one
end portion of the intermediate assembly 120a, that is, the
connecting portion 121f of the connector 121, and inserted and
fixed in the groove 229b on the inner side of the mold 228. The
outer core 226 supports one end portion of the intermediate
assembly 120a, on the inner side of the mold, in order to keep the
intermediate assembly 120a spaced from the inner side of the
cavity.
[0064] Further, referring to FIG. 13, the molding pin 227 and the
intermediate assembly (e.g., 120a in FIG. 12) have been assembled,
and the figure illustrates various examples of combining the
molding pin 227. As illustrated in the figure, the molding pin 227
is inserted deep inside the bobbin 123, and in forming, the head
227a of the molding pin 227 is inserted in the groove 229a on the
inner side of the mold 228, whereby the head 227a in the groove 229
supports the intermediate assembly 120a. While resin is injected,
the molding pin 227 should not turn and should be able to stably
fix, e.g., without moving, the intermediate assembly 120a in place
in the cavity. To this end, in the combination structure of the
molding pin 227, it is preferable to keep the end of the molding
pin 227 fixed in contact with the connector 121 or the signal coil
122 and various available examples are described hereafter.
[0065] As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 13, the molding pin 227 is
inserted deep inside the bobbin 123 through the end of the bobbin
123, in which the end of the molding pin 227 can support the
connector 121 or the wiring portion 122c of the signal coil 122 in
contact with it, by inserting the molding pin 227 into the bobbin
123 and passing it through the helical portion 122b of the signal
coil 122. In the structure with the groove 121a formed on the
connector 121 and the straight end portion of the signal coil 122
fixed to the inside of the groove, eccentrically in the groove
121a, the end of the molding pin 227 can be inserted and fixed in
the groove 121a (e.g., the top one in (a) of FIG. 13).
[0066] Further, in the structure with the wiring portion 122c of
the signal coil 122 fixed to the connector 121 by bonding or
welding (e.g., inserted in the groove 121a of the connector and
then welded or welded without a hole) and thread-fastened to the
outer side of the first coupling portion 121b of the connector 121,
it is possible to insert the end of the molding pin 227 into the
wiring portion 122c to be supported by the wiring portion 122c
itself (e.g., the middle one in (a) of FIG. 13) or to bring it in
contact with the first coupling portion 121b to be supported (e.g.,
the bottom one in (a) of FIG. 13). As in the middle one in (a) of
FIG. 13, in the structure with the end of the molding pin 227
inserted in the wiring portion 122c and supported by the wiring
portion 122c itself, the wiring pitch of the wiring portion 122c
may be made smaller than that of the helical portion 122b or the
diameter of the wiring portion 122c may be made smaller than that
of the helical portion 122b, corresponding to the outer diameter of
the molding pin 227. Further, as in the middle one in (a) of FIG.
13, the wiring portion 122c of the signal coil 122 can be fixed to
the connector 121 by welding or bonding, and the molding pin 227 is
inserted in the wiring portion 122c welded or bonded to the
connector 121.
[0067] Further, as in (b) of FIG. 13, it is possible to insert the
molding pin 227 into the bobbin 123 and then bring the end of the
molding pin 227 in contact with the end of the signal coil 122, in
which the end of the molding pin 227 and the end of the signal coil
122 support each other while in contact with each other, such that
they cannot be moved when resin is injected. The signal coil 122
may be a straight pin type coil or a coil with the helical portion
122b. The means of supporting the end, as in (b) of FIG. 13, is
available for both of the straight pin type coil and the signal
coil 122 with the helical portion 122b.
[0068] As illustrated in (c) of FIG. 13, a hollow molding pin 227
of which a predetermined longitudinal section from the end or the
entire longitudinal section can be inserted into the signal coil
122 is available. It can be seen that the end of the molding pin
227 is supported in contact with the connector 121, with the signal
coil 122 inserted in the hole of the hollow molding pin 227. The
signal coil 122 may be a straight pin type coil or a coil with the
helical portion 122b. The means of supporting the end, as in (c) of
FIG. 13, is available for both of the straight pin type coil and
the signal coil 122 with the helical portion 122b.
[0069] The method of assembling the outer core 226 and the molding
pin 227 was described above. The outer core 226 and the molding pin
227 are combined with the intermediate assembly 120a, and then the
cover member 125 is molded by injecting resin through the gate of
the mold 228 to cover the intermediate assembly 120a. When the
injection molding of the cover member 125 is finished, the cover
member 125 is taken out of the mold, the outer core 226 and the
molding pin 227 are removed, and the end cap 127 is inserted into
the hole 125a of the cover member 125 with the molding pin 227
removed, thereby completing the pole 120.
[0070] Further, the multiple band antenna 100 (as shown in FIG. 3)
is achieved by combining the completed pole 120 with the base 110,
in which the pole 120 is fixed to the base 110 by coupling the
connecting portion 121f of the connector 121 to the connector 121
of the base 110.
[0071] Although embodiments of the present disclosure were
described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is
not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications from the
spirit of the present invention defined in the following claims by
those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0072] The invention has been described in detail with reference to
preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these
embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the
invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *